Tag Research

UW-Madison, Medical College of Wisconsin to lead $16 million children’s health initiative

September 29, 2005

A consortium of community organizations and academic institutions in Wisconsin will participate in the largest long-term study of the environment's effects on human health and development ever conducted in the United States. The goal of the long-term study is to improve the health and well-being of children.

Prestigious award for scientist exploring consciousness and sleep

September 29, 2005

A psychiatrist at UW–Madison is one of 13 scientists nationwide to receive the prestigious Pioneer Award, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced today.

Researchers: Deep sleep short-circuits brain’s grid of connectivity

September 29, 2005

In the human brain, cells talk to one another through the routine exchange of electrical signals. But when people fall into a deep sleep, the higher regions of the brain - regions that during waking hours are a bustling grid of neural dialogue - apparently lose their ability to communicate effectively, causing consciousness to fade.

Research identifies cost-effective delinquency prevention programs

September 28, 2005

A new report released by UW–Madison and the UW Extension synthesizes the latest research on what works in preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency.

Community events to focus on Vietnam War

September 28, 2005

The Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Public Television and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs are joining to present a series of community events next week centering around a new PBS American Experience documentary film, Two Days in October.

Princeton ecologist to give keynote address symposium

September 27, 2005

A prominent advocate for the protection of endangered species will be the keynote speaker Sept. 29 and 30 at UW–Madison's annual fall ecology research symposium.

Researchers studying ramifications of equine influenza in dogs

September 26, 2005

A paper published in Science today (Sept. 26) describes the recent emergence of equine influenza virus, first recognized in racing greyhounds in January 2004, as a pathogen in dogs. During the past year, cases of the virus have been reported in pet dogs in Florida and New York, which raises concern that the virus is spreading.

Marine toxins show promise as cancer drugs

September 26, 2005

Vibrantly colored creatures from the depths of the South Pacific Ocean harbor toxins that potentially can act as powerful anti-cancer drugs, according to research findings from University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemists and their Italian colleagues.

Can pomegranates prevent prostate cancer?

September 26, 2005

The juice of the pomegranate, say researchers at University of Wisconsin Medical School, shows major promise to combat prostate cancer - the most common invasive cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men.

Analysis: Differences between the sexes largely exaggerated

September 21, 2005

Aiming to dispel misplaced - and widely prevalent - stereotypes about the differences between men and women, a scientist has finally confirmed what many have intuitively known for years: psychologically, at least, the two sexes are basically the same.

Political scientists seek ways to promote civic participation

September 20, 2005

As Americans turn a cold shoulder to politics and civic involvement, a group of 19 leading political scientists - including UW–Madison's Katherine Cramer Walsh - have recommended a package of reforms to improve democracy and heighten civic involvement.

New residence hall to be named for former housing chief

September 20, 2005

A 425-bed residence hall under construction on North Park Street will be named for Newell J. Smith, who headed University Housing for 28 years prior to his retirement in 1983.

Medical approach to psychotherapy challenged

September 20, 2005

Bruce Wampold, professor and chair of the Department of Counseling Psychology, whipped up a storm with his book, “The Great Psychotherapy Debate: Models, Methods, and Findings,”which he based on his comprehensive review of the research on psychotherapy.

Grazing dairies are economically competitive with confinement operations

September 15, 2005

Managed grazing is becoming increasingly popular with Wisconsin dairy farmers. Grazing systems reduce labor requirements and provide environmental benefits, as the cows harvest much of their own feed and spread their own manure. In addition to these benefits, a new report from UW–Madison shows that these grazing farms are economically competitive with confinement dairy operations.

Lawyer jokes reveal frustration with ‘legalization of life’

September 15, 2005

A sweeping look at jokes that lampoon lawyers and the tensions between Americans' respect for law and disdain for attorneys is the focus of "Lowering the Bar: Lawyer Jokes and Legal Culture," a new book by UW Law School emeritus professor Marc Galanter.

Study: Abused children stay highly attuned to anger

September 14, 2005

Even the subtlest hints of anger or hostility in their environment set physically abused children on prolonged "alert," even if a conflict has nothing to do with them. The tendency to stay attentive of nearby discord is probably a natural form of self-preservation in children who routinely face aggression. But it may also explain why abused children are often so distracted at school, write researchers from UW–Madison.

Key neural system at risk from fetal alcohol exposure

September 14, 2005

In a study of adult monkeys who were exposed to moderate amounts of alcohol in utero, scientists have found that prenatal exposure to alcohol - even in small doses - has pronounced effects on the development and function later in life of the brain's dopamine system, a critical component of the central nervous system that regulates many regions of the brain.

Tracking Hurricane Ophelia

September 13, 2005

As Hurricane Ophelia is set to make landfall on the North Carolina coast on Wednesday or Thursday (Sept. 14 or 15), analysis techniques developed by researchers at UW–Madison's Tropical Cyclones group in the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies are helping to predict the anticipated path of the storm.

Study: Marketplace important player in literacy

September 12, 2005

If you came of age in the 20th century, you were part of a profound change in the way that Americans learn to read and write, according to a literacy researcher at UW–Madison.

Study of health of Wisconsin springs launched

September 9, 2005

Wisconsin's rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater are invaluable resources that affect every Wisconsin citizen. But while the ecology of lakes, streams and wetlands has been extensively studied, knowledge of springs ecology in Wisconsin and elsewhere is limited.